Signs of a Seizure Disorder

Some of the signs of a seizure disorder are similar to signs of other conditions. They also come and go so it’s easy to ignore or explain away some of the more subtle warning signs. Often the first time someone sees a doctor for epilepsy is after having had a tonic clonic, or convulsive, seizure. But symptoms vary from person to person and not everyone will have an event that demands the immediate response of a tonic clonic seizure. A delay in diagnosis and treatment puts a person in greater risk of accidents and injury.

Symptoms

Consult a doctor if you or someone you know experience any of the following:

Blackouts or lapses in memory

Fainting spells

Blank staring in a child (where he or she is unresponsive to questions)

Unexplained falls

Periods of confusion

Uncontrolled muscle movements

Episodes of unusual hearing, smelling, tasting or visual sensations

Periods of difficulty with speaking

Blinking or chewing with no purpose

A convulsion (muscle rigidity or contractions)

Repeated rapid, jerking movements in infants

Seizure symptoms may be brief and fleeting. The above symptoms may not necessarily mean that a person has epilepsy. Nevertheless, they should be checked out by a medical practitioner. The diagnosis can only be made by a qualified physician.